 |
|
The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) is implementing programmes on Chemical Sources of Energy, Hydrogen Energy, Alternative/Biofuels for Surface Transportation (Battery Operated Vehicles), Geothermal Energy and Ocean Energy. As part of these programmes, a number of research, development and demonstration projects have been taken up through various research and educational institutions, universities, national laboratories and the industry. CHEMICAL SOURCES OF ENERGY (FUEL CELLS) 7.2 Fuel cells produce electricity from an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cells are efficient, environmentally benign and reliable for power production. The use of fuel cells has been demonstrated for stationary/ portable power generation and other applications. MNES has taken up projects on different types of fuel cells through various organisations. These projects have led to the development of prototypes of fuel cells, materials/catalysts and components for fuel cell systems. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) stacks have been developed and demonstrated for decentralised power production. Under a project funded by MNES, a 50 kW (2x25 kW) PAFC power plant has been developed and tested by BHEL, Hyderabad for distributed power generation. 7.3 As part of an R&D project funded by this Ministry, the SPIC Science Foundation, Chennai, had developed an improved version of 5 kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PERM) fuel cell module and successfully demonstrated its use for on-site power generation and vehicular propulsion. Efforts were on to develop durable ion-exchange membranes and establish performance and reliability of systems. 7.4 The Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi has developed a small Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) stack. The Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata is developing a 1 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power pack. Under an R&D project funded by MNES, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, will construct a 100-watt liquid-feed solid polymer electrolyte direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, Chennai in collaboration with SPIC Science Foundation is also working on a project to develop a 250-watt DMFC stack. The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and BHEL, Hyderabad have developed catalysts and reformers for reformation of methanol into hydrogen for fuel cells.
|
||||
